I took the position as head designer for a new celebrity women’s wear line. I moved to South Florida for it, and was there for two years. I was able to design and develop the full range of the line and got to travel to Asia and Europe. (Images are from Janeane's work on the Kat Von D line.)

We're quirky and cute. There is a definite Portland aesthetic, and I think that the level of creativity and exploration that happens in this city is phenomenal. I always say that Portland is more Brooklyn than Brooklyn. It's weird how at home I felt here almost immediately, because it feels so close to Portland. There is Pendleton and Stumptown everywhere. Everywhere. I love it. The world has a crush on Portland.

Do you think it's possible to make it as a fashion designer if you stay here?

Maybe. It just depends on the level you want to be on, and what being a successful designer means to you. So many of my favorite designers live in Portland, and the girls at PGF (Portland Garment Factory) are making actual production available to designers. I don't know. Anybody can be successful anywhere, I guess. Maybe because I've moved around a little and seen several approaches to the fashion industry, my opinion is changing about all that.

Only to meet the people that I did. I was able to see NYC for the first time, meet Tim Gunn, and show at Bryant Park. It’s a little over- whelming looking back. The platform of “reality TV” is not my favorite; I’m pretty opposed to it on several levels. It ended up changing my life, though.

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Slide Show: Portland's Project Runway Alumni | Janeane Marie Ceccanti

Posted Apr 12, 2013, 5:13pm

To read our extended interview with Janeane Marie, check out this slide show of her recent collections.